31From Alexander Hamilton to Caleb Swan, 14 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you an extract from a letter of the ninth of this month which I have just received from Colonel Rice. Representations of the kind [have successively come to me from various Quarters.] They give me both pain and mortification. The delay in transmitting the necessary supplies of money [is attended with every disadvantage. It has become a subject of special Inquiry by the Commander in...
32To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Since the return of the War Office to the City of Philadelphia, I have reverted to your letter of the 31st: ulto: and given as mature a consideration as circumstances would permit to the new arrangement of the Officers of the first, second, third and fourth Regiments of Infantry, as proposed by Brigadier General Wilkinson, and approved by yourself provisionally, but subject to a negative from...
33Enclosure: James McHenry to Anthony Wayne, 27 August 1796 (Hamilton Papers)
I here transmit the arrangement of the legion and Cavalry which you will please to have promulged and carried into execution. You will perceive by adverting to the table of Regiments and Rank that the President has been guided by the rule of Seniority and that the Officers with a few exceptions remain attached to the Men which they have been accustomed to command. For example the First Sub...
34To Alexander Hamilton from John J. U. Rivardi, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Niagara [ New York ] November 15, 1799 . Describes his plans for repairing the fort, and discusses the friendly relations between British and American forces stationed on the Niagara River. States: “Two Regiments have arrived at Quebec & the Brittish force which will remain in Canada this winter amounts To upwards of Eight thousand regulars exclusive of two provincial Battalions.” ALS ,...
35To Alexander Hamilton from William S. Smith, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Union Camp [ Scotch Plains, New Jersey ] November 15, 1799 . “… Yesterday two french Gentlemen presented themselves here, requesting my permission to teach the back and small sword to the officers of the Brigade.… I felt myself very unpleasantly situated, but informed the Gentlemen, that the particular delicacy of existing questions between their Country and mine, rendered it totally...
36From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 15 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a copy of a letter from the S of War dated the eighth of this month, and an extract from my letter in reply. You will perceive that I agree in opinion with the Secretary that permanent fortifications should not be erected without previously communicating with the Executive, and obtaining his sanction. I am aware of the strong considerations which lead you to erect the fort at...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus Graves, 16 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Oxford [ Massachusetts ] November 16, 1799 . “Your letter of the 4th Oct. ordering the removal of the recruits receivd for the 16th Regt to this place for winter quarters, I received the 28th of Oct, and Issued my orders for the march on the twenty ninth. Agreeably to your directions I called on the Contra[c]tors for the means of tra[n]sporting the baggage Military Stores &c. But from the...
38To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 16 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter of the 13th and one of the 14th. instant each inclosing a letter to Caleb Swan Esqr Paymaster left open for my perusal. Immediately upon receiving the first mentioned I wrote to Mr Swan a letter of which the enclosed is a Copy. It pains me exceedingly that either from the delay of the Officers in forwarding Muster and pay Rolls, a defective arrangement for forwarding the...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Caleb Swan, 16 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, November 16, 1799. “I have sent the following sums of money by this days mail. To the 14 Regiment 3893. } Dollars ” 15 do 3893. ” 16 do 1422. Captain Williamson arrived here to day. On monday the 18 instant he will be furnished with money to pay up the said three Regiments to the 30 September 1799 inclusively.” ALS
40To Alexander Hamilton from John De Barth Walbach, [16 November 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai l’honneur d’apres vos ordres, de joindre cy inclus, la description du Sabre, que je crois etre le plus avantageux au Dragon au Service des Etats Unis. Je ne me suis permis aucune explication sur les motifs qui m’ont engagé a donner la preferance au Sabre droit, sur celui en usage a l’Armée Anglaise; si le General, le juge apropos, j’aurai l’honneur de les soumettre a sa decision. Je...
41From Alexander Hamilton to George Izard, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The great regard which I have for your Father conspiring with the favorable impressions which I have received of your character induce me to offer you the place of Aide de Camp in my family. If agreeable to you to accept, you will immediately join me at this place, having first obtained the permission of your immediate commanding officer. I mentioned the matter to General Pinckney while here...
42To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I recd two hours ago your letter of the 14th, begging me to call upon and send you certain papers you had lodged with Mr Bingham. As he has not yet returned to the City I dispatched my servant with a note to which I have received the answer inclosed. I do not remember to have seen the papers aluded to. Yours truly & Affectionately ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to...
43Enclosure: William Bingham to James McHenry, [18 November 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
It Surely must have escaped Genl Hamilton’s Recollection, that the Papers he alludes to, never were deposited with me. After reading the publication, in which he mentioned this deposit being thus made, I was Surprized at the omission of which, in Case I had been applied to for a View of them, I Should certainly have reminded him—under any other Circumstances, it would not have been delicate to...
44From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Pursuant to a conversation which I had with you while in this city I have concluded to offer to Lt. Izzard the place of Aid de camp in my family. I have mentioned to Mr. Izzard that you will dispense with the form of an application to you as Commanding General of the district. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. H to George Izard, November 18, 1799 .
45From Alexander Hamilton to William S. Smith, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 18, 1799. “… I have not the smallest objection to the Officers being taught the use of the sword by the French gentlemen of whom you speak, nor to any measures of the kind which you may think proper to adopt that will not involve an actual expence to the public.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith to H, November 15, 1799 .
46From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 18 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have been duly honored with your letters of the 26th. and 27th. of October. General Pinckney happening to be at my house when they were received, I communicated them to him, together with such other letters as had come to hand relating to the same subject —and I have since furnished him with the subsequent information transmitted to me, in order that he might take the proper measures in...
47Indenture, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 19, 1799. The catalogue description reads: “His signature in full to an indenture for a household servant aged 13 years and seven months.” Indenture not found. ] ALS , sold at Mercury Stamp Co., Inc., January 5, 1970, Lot No. 3071.
48From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 19 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, November 19, 1799. Letter not found. ] “List of Letters from General Hamilton to General Washington,” Columbia University Libraries.
49To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 20 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I recd. your letter of the 12th on the 15th inst. It is an answer to my letter of the 8th inst relative to permanent fortifications at Loftus’ heights on the Mississppi part of them (the water batteries) begun and nearly finished, and materials or a great part of them provided for a fort on the heights; at least such is my information, by order of Brigadier General Wilkinson, without the...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 20 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favour of the 5th. instant circular I have received. My influence to induce the consent of the Soldiers to appropriate part of their pay in the purchase of Articles of convenience and ornament shall be made. Half gaiters are very necessary both for ornament & convenience. Socks also or Stockings are greatly needed, for the socks allowed by Government can not be made usefull, they are so...
51Enclosure: [List of Military Appointments], [20 November 1799] (Hamilton Papers)
Captains 1 Ephraim Emery appointd Jany 10th. 1799 1 2 Thomas Chandler do do 2 3 Simeon Draper do do ☞ 7 4 Nathaniel Twing do
52To Alexander Hamilton from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 20 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Hartford, November 20, 1799. On December 6, 1799, Hamilton wrote to Wadsworth : “I have received your letter of the 20. of November.” Letter not found. ] Wadsworth, a Hartford merchant, was a member of the Connecticut Executive Council.
53To Alexander Hamilton from Jonathan Dayton, 21 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I write to you in confidence, & altho’ in the language, yet not in the temper of complaint. A practice has prevailed with some of the Regts. in your Division of drawing mony & rations on acct. without regular rolls & returns. This, I am sure, needs only to be known by you in order to be reprobated & corrected, for it’s tendency is most pernicious not only in encouraging indolence, inattention...
54From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 21 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 21, 1799. Encloses “regulations which it is proposed to establish relative to the uniform of the troops.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Enclosure not found, but see H to James McHenry, December 19, 1799 .
55To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 21 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Your Letter respecting Hamtramck & Lt Claiborne, has come to Hand & is the last I have received from you. I left Phila. the 16th. Inst, arrived here the 17th. & shall sail Tomorrow in the Vessel intended for me, requiring so much time for equipment. From some conversation with the Secy of War, the Day before I left Phila. I fear the proposed organization of the four old Regts: will be cut up,...
56To Alexander Hamilton from James Wilkinson, 21 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a truth, that in the variety of my Life, I have very seldom experienced so essential a privation, as the loss of your Society. I should find difficulty in the discrimination, but you have Interests about you, which I have never discovered in another, matter to captivate the understanding, & manner to charm the Heart—pardon this effusion of grateful Friendship, since it gives pleasure to...
57From Alexander Hamilton to James Wilkinson, 21 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of War disapproves the arrangement relative to the four old regiments on account of the numerous transfers of Officers which it involves from one regiment to another. It is therefore necessary to give the subject a total revision. In doing this I shall follow your ideas as far as I can follow them consistently with the views of the Secy. of War. The new arrangement, when it shall...
58From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 22 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 22, 1799. “I have just been honored with your letter of the twentieth instant. The explanation that I entered into in the letter to which this is an answer was founded on a principle of caution, and did not proceed from the supposition that censure had been cast upon my conduct. I can readily assent to the position that in ordinary cases, where [no pressing exigencies...
59From Alexander Hamilton to James Read, 22 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, November 22, 1799. “I request that you will send a non commsd officer to attend upon my office. It is left to your discretion whether the attendance shall be diurnal, periodical, or permanent. The office is No. 36 Greenwich Street.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Read, a captain in the Second Regiment of Artillerists and Engineers, was...
60To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 22 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
With diffidence I submitt a few observations in addition to the vast and perfectly well intended plan which you was pleased to give me in communication. Although an officer of Engineers or Artillerists may have attained in the Fundamental School Some Knowledge in the designing of Structures and Landscapes, yet Drawing is considered as a science in which the officers of both denominations can...
61From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The near approach of a Session of Congress will naturally lead you to the consideration of such measures for the improvement of our military System as may require legislative Sanction. Under this impression, I am induced now to present to you some objects, which appear to me very interesting, and shall take the liberty to add, hereafter, such others as shall have occurred. One which I have...
62From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 23 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose to you a letter which I have just written to Col. Parker. When I shall be informed of your arrival within the limits of your district all correspondence between me and the particular Officers in that district will, of course, cease, unless you should think it proper that I should continue to direct them in matters that relate to the recruiting service. I would request an explanation...
63To Alexander Hamilton from Nathan Rice, 24 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have just receivd your favour of the 14th. inst inclosing a General order for holding a General Court martial. On the arrival of the 15th. and 16th. regt. at this post, I considered myself autherised, by your construction of the articles of war, in your order of the 18th. of June as to the power of appointing general Court martial. To order one—the Prisoners have been tryed & punished. The...
64To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, November 25, 1799. Questions the validity of John F. Hamtramck’s statement that a number of officers do not know “the common rules of arithmetic and how to write.” States that if the officers are so illiterate, “it is high time, that the facts be ascertained and a decisive remedy adopted.” Requests that Hamilton “require Colonel Hamtramck to designate the officers who come...
65From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 25 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
From information which I have occasionally received it would appear that abuses are, from time to time, committed by particular officers, involving the irregular expenditure of money, that can appear only at the office of the Accountant of the War department. The thing seems to me to be sufficiently important to engage your attention, and I should suppose it would be proper to di[r]ect the...
66To Alexander Hamilton from Robert W. Hamilton, 26 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
[ U.S. Frigate Constitution, at Sea off Cape François, November 26, 1799 . On February 26, 1800, Robert W. Hamilton wrote to Hamilton : “I did myself the pleasure of writing you on the 26 November.” Letter not found. ] Robert W. Hamilton, a lieutenant in the United States Navy, was H’s first cousin. See H to William Hamilton, May 2, 1797, note 5 .
67To Alexander Hamilton from Lewis Tousard, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
As it is more easy to avoid an expence than to persuade the War Departmt. to pay for it, when it is incurred, I have the honor of submitting to your approbation, the following plan for me this approaching winter. You ordered me, for the winter, at or near New york. Major Hoops & myself are to execute the duty which you will prescribe. The immoderate expences attending the spending of a winter...
68From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 28 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of a letter which I have written to the Secretary of War on the subject of a military Academy. Two reasons have prevented me from communicating it to you at an earlier day. My avocations rendered it imposible for me to complete the letter till very lately, and I had had opportunities of knowing your opinion on the subject generally. Any alterations in the plan which you may...
69To Alexander Hamilton from John F. Hamtramck, 29 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 11th Inst. and shall pay particular attention to its contents. The packet Boat at Detroit is a small Vessell which (I have been informed) was directed to be built by General Wilkinson as also a nother Vessell which is to be a Brigg. the Packet is begun, the Brig which is a very handsome one, was, when I was at Detroit nearly finished. there is...
70From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The preparation of a good system for the Tactics and police of the different portions of our Army is probably the most valuable service which it may be in my power to render the UStates in my present station & there are urgent reasons why this should be accomplished in the course of the present winter. To do it at all would in every situation require the aid of others; since I do not pretend,...
71From Alexander Hamilton to Lewis Tousard, 30 November 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the twenty eighth, but do not perceive in it any sufficient reason for preferring Philadelphia to N York or its vicinity for your residence during the ensuing winter. Any military books belonging to the public can be sent to you, and if you are in a town near this city I can correspond regular with you by post, which would supersede the necessity of a personal...
72From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 2 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeable to a conversation which we had while you were in this city I have directed Lieutenant Walbach to repair to your Head Quarters for the purpose of assisting in preparing a system for the Tactics and police of the Cavalry. It being of importance that this object should be accomplished in the course of the ensuing winter I shall count on your obliging disposition towards me no less than...
73From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 3, 1799. “… In conformity with your letter of the 25th of November I have written to Colonel Hamtramck requesting him to point out the individual officers whose ignorance is so strongly spoken of in his letter of the 5th of October. The remark of the Colonel did not appear to me to be directed particularly against late appointments but to embrace all appointments for the...
74From Alexander Hamilton to Aaron Ogden, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish to employ General North with your assistance in preparing regulations for the police of the troops in Camp Quarters and garrisons. There will be no necessity for your residing in New York. Occasional visits to the city will be sufficient for the accomplishment of the object. I have proposed to the Secretary of War the allowance of an extra compensation, but I can not say what...
75To Alexander Hamilton from Joseph Hamilton, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Hudson [ New York ] December 4, 1799 . “As the inclosed Pamphlet was written Chiefly with a View to be put into the Hands of the Officers of the Army, & Navy of the united States, I beg leave at this early Moment to Present it to you; which if it Should gain your approbation, I flatter Myself will be more Speedily, and abundantly Serviceable to the Public.…” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
76From Alexander Hamilton to John F. Hamtramck, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “In your letter of the fifth of October you speak in strong terms of the ignorance of particular officers of the old regiments. It is desirable that you should point out the individuals who are incapable of writing or reading. The communication will be received in confidence as it respects the individuals.” Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
77From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “I take the liberty to request of you information whether the claims of old Soldiers who served in the Revolution war, are still admissible. I make this inquiry to Serve an old Soldier who has consulted me on the subject.” Df , in the handwriting of Ethan Brown, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In MS this word is “Served.”
78From Alexander Hamilton to William North, 4 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
New York, December 4, 1799. “I wish to employ you during the ensuing winter in preparing regulations for the Police of the Troops in Camp Quarters and garrisons. It is my intention to associate Colonel Ogden with you in the business. The state of things renders it important that a system should be completed during the winter. I rely therefore on your zeal for the service that all practicable...
79From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Having some private business of importance to transact at Philadelphia, and there being several objects of a military nature which perhaps may be facilitated by a personal interview with you, it is my intention to leave this city on Monday next for the seat of government. With great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir yr. Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers,...
80From Alexander Hamilton to Nathan Rice, 5 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 20th and 25th of November. A Judge Advocate General it is expected will be appointed, but permanent appointments of an inferior kind are not provided for by law. Of course only occasional appointments can be made on special occasions, and to these no compensation can be annexed. I am satisfied with what you have done on the subject of the Court Martial; But...